From time to time, I am reminded that while many people are familiar with large national veterans service organizations, fewer people truly know about the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the unique work we do as a local PVA Chapter. That realization often comes during outreach events, community conversations, or visits to VA facilities across New England. People are eager to support veterans, but they are sometimes surprised to learn about the specific mission of PVA and the community we are privileged to serve.
That is why I wanted to take a moment to share a bit more about who we are, what we do, and why our mission matters so deeply. Across the United States, thousands of veterans live with spinal cord injuries and diseases that fundamentally change their lives. These injuries can result from combat, training accidents, or illness, and they often require lifelong care, specialized resources, and strong community support. For nearly 80 years, PVA has stood beside these veterans, advocating for their health, independence, and quality of life.
Founded in 1946 by veterans who returned home from World War II with spinal cord injuries, PVA is a congressionally chartered nonprofit veterans service organization dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases – including conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and ALS – live fuller and more independent lives. Through advocacy, medical expertise, research, and community programs, PVA works to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned through their service to our country. Here in our local region, the New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America carries that mission forward. Serving veterans throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, our Chapter works every day to provide support, services, and camaraderie for veterans living with spinal cord injury or disease.
Across the United States, thousands of veterans live with spinal cord injuries and diseases that fundamentally change their lives. These injuries can result from combat, training accidents, or illness, and they often require lifelong care, specialized resources, and strong community support.
The work of the Chapter takes many forms. One important focus is advocacy, ensuring that veterans have access to quality healthcare through the VA system and that their voices are heard in policy decisions affecting their lives. Each year, members of our Chapter travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for policies that improve the lives of veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases. Equally important is the sense of community our Chapter provides. Through adaptive sports programs, educational events, outreach visits, and social gatherings, members are able to connect with other veterans who share similar experiences and challenges. These opportunities strengthen both physical health and emotional well-being, reminding veterans that they are never alone in their journey.
Our Chapter also connects veterans and their families to critical resources – including benefits assistance, caregiver support, research updates, and information about spinal cord injury care. These services are offered at no cost to veterans and their families, ensuring that every member has access to the support they deserve. Perhaps most importantly, PVA and its over 30 Chapters throughout the US and Puerto Rico are organizations built by veterans, for veterans. Many of the leaders, volunteers, and advocates within PVA have lived experience with spinal cord injuries themselves. That perspective brings a powerful sense of understanding and determination to the organization’s work. At its core, the mission of PVA is simple but profound: to empower veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases to live lives of dignity, independence, and opportunity.
As we continue our outreach across New England – through programs like Project 72,000 Square Miles, visits to VA facilities, and partnerships throughout our communities – we also recognize the importance of telling our story more clearly and more often. The more people understand the work of PVA, the more veterans we can reach, the more partnerships we can build, and the stronger our Chapter will become.
If you would like to learn more about the work of the New England Chapter, support our mission, or connect with our community, I encourage you to. explore our website.
Together, we can continue the important work of ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to live a strong, independent, and meaningful life.
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